Preparing for steam loco photos

biz-engineer · 10-25-2015, 03:06 AM

Tomorrow will take place a steam locomotive trip organized by the local club in my area. I'd like to take photos of that train with some landscape in the background, so I'm gonna be off that train. But, since the train is in motion faster than the photographer, it's gonna be a hit or miss situation. I already looked at where the train will pass by , and orientation or the sun. Not sure about what focal length will be the best. Anyone who could share some tips from his experience would be appreciated. Thanks.

**UncleVanya** · 10-25-2015, 04:57 AM

Mostly I have done static shots - interior engine area exterior etc. high contrast b&w film years ago. I think the setting will dictate the lens.

**WPRESTO** · 10-25-2015, 05:55 AM

Probably too late, but IF THE TRAIN IS MOVING and you're watching it go by I would recommend: 1) wide angle; 2) continuous AF; 3) medium or high speed multi-exposure; 4) PAN with the train, letting the near background blur. DO NOT set on a tripod with high shutter speed and hope for one best shot, chances are it will be blurred, PAN with multl-exposure and continuous AF. Use WA and crop later if there's too much surround. Stand back a bit if possible - don't get too close. The closer you are the harder it will be to avoid blurring.

cpobuttons · 10-25-2015, 06:23 AM - **1 Like**

this is how I have been doing steam trains in a landscape type photo...manual mode F8 or 11...continuous high...prefocus on the scene where the train will pass and use hyperfocal by selecting the bottom focal point...I use manual mode and underexpose the scene by about 1 stop because the steam and smoke will really blow out on a bright day...shutter speeds of 1/250 to 500 seem to work...of course I dont know how fast your train is going to be moving... when the train enters the scene let her rip and have fun...

**interested_observer** · 10-25-2015, 08:14 AM

The shots I have seen of moving trains (steam or otherwise) against landscapes, have all been distance shots. There is also the shot of the steam engine coming around the bend (or over a trestle, etc.) with a deep depth of field - but at a high shutter speed to freeze the motion, while catching the background.

biz-engineer · 10-25-2015, 09:03 AM

Thanks guys for sharing some ideas.

Originally posted by UncleVanya

I think the setting will dictate the lens.

Yes, at the train station, when the loco is stopped, it should be relatively easy to take shot of the engine, with a normal lens. Then the background may not be interesting.

Originally posted by WPRESTO

DO NOT set on a tripod

Yes, it should be in day light, a tripod would be cumbersome. That a very good idea to have to parts where motion is frozen with panning and fast shutter speed, while other parts would be blurred... Wide angle, moderate wide would include some background depending on where I'm positioned.

Originally posted by cpobuttons

I use manual mode and underexpose the scene by about 1 stop because the steam and smoke will really blow out on a bright day...shutter speeds of 1/250 to 500 seem to work...of course I dont know how fast your train is going to be moving... when the train enters the scene let her rip and have fun...

You are right, in sunny weather, I'm afraid to have the high-lights blown-up on the steam. The train will be green, so, not as big dynamic range as if it was a black locomotive, 1stop may not be enough, I shall use bracketing as well then and finish in post processing. I studied the map , I was looking for places when the train has to go up, so it may then be slower and produce more steam. There are also some bridges. Can be everywhere at the same time. But there will be several runs...

Originally posted by interested_observer

The shots I have seen of moving trains (steam or otherwise) against landscapes, have all been distance shots.

The issue is access... So I may be close and far, depending on the location. I'll bring my 70-200, 17-50 or 28-75 not decided yet...

**interested_observer** · 10-25-2015, 01:23 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by biz-engineer

The issue is access... So I may be close and far, depending on the location. I'll bring my 70-200, 17-50 or 28-75 not decided yet...

Up in Northern Arizona in Williams, they run the French Fry Express (used cooking oil from Mckey D's - and yes it smells like french frys) steam engine from time to time. Folks plan out their locations well in advance - then test shoot the diesel engine trains in the meantime.

biz-engineer · 10-25-2015, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by interested_observer

Up in Northern Arizona in Williams, they run the French Fry Express (used cooking oil from Mckey D's - and yes it smells like french frys) steam engine from time to time. Folks plan out their locations well in advance - then test shoot the diesel engine trains in the meantime. Grand Canyon Railway to fuel train with recycled vegetable oil on Earth Day | KJZZ The Train | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, Arizona- Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, Arizona https://aaa.thetrain.com/UserFiles/gcr/territorialtimes2011.pdf

Really nice. In the US , you have a number of large steam locomotive. I've also seen some impressive video from Chinese steam trains. Would need to travel for that. I'll learn from experience.

**interested_observer** · 10-25-2015, 09:52 PM

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Really nice. In the US , you have a number of large steam locomotive. I've also seen some impressive video from Chinese steam trains. Would need to travel for that. I'll learn from experience.

If I remember correctly from some reading, there are a couple of places where you can actually be the engineer of a full size live steam locomotive. I want to say it's up in Nevada somewhere, or New Mexico.

biz-engineer · 10-26-2015, 08:54 AM - **2 Likes**

Et voila...

**interested_observer** · 10-26-2015, 08:12 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by biz-engineer

Et voila...

Wow!! Very Nice Indeed! I bet the engine and tender are very nicely painted and trimmed in bright colors!

Grippy · 10-29-2015, 12:30 AM - **1 Like**

Very nice pics biz.
I love getting shots of steam locos, there are a couple that operate here in South Australia, have only managed static shots with the Oly. I haven't had the chance to get any with the Pentax yet though.
I have a ton that I have just digitised that my dad took in the 50-70 's, great machines.

10-25-2015, 03:06 AM	#1
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,247	Preparing for steam loco photos Tomorrow will take place a steam locomotive trip organized by the local club in my area. I'd like to take photos of that train with some landscape in the background, so I'm gonna be off that train. But, since the train is in motion faster than the photographer, it's gonna be a hit or miss situation. I already looked at where the train will pass by , and orientation or the sun. Not sure about what focal length will be the best. Anyone who could share some tips from his experience would be appreciated. Thanks.

10-25-2015, 01:23 PM - 1 Like	#7
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by biz-engineer The issue is access... So I may be close and far, depending on the location. I'll bring my 70-200, 17-50 or 28-75 not decided yet... Up in Northern Arizona in Williams, they run the French Fry Express (used cooking oil from Mckey D's - and yes it smells like french frys) steam engine from time to time. Folks plan out their locations well in advance - then test shoot the diesel engine trains in the meantime. Grand Canyon Railway to fuel train with recycled vegetable oil on Earth Day \| KJZZ The Train \| Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, Arizona- Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, Arizona https://aaa.thetrain.com/UserFiles/gcr/territorialtimes2011.pdf

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10-25-2015, 04:57 AM	#2
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	Mostly I have done static shots - interior engine area exterior etc. high contrast b&w film years ago. I think the setting will dictate the lens.

10-25-2015, 05:55 AM	#3
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,138	Probably too late, but IF THE TRAIN IS MOVING and you're watching it go by I would recommend: 1) wide angle; 2) continuous AF; 3) medium or high speed multi-exposure; 4) PAN with the train, letting the near background blur. DO NOT set on a tripod with high shutter speed and hope for one best shot, chances are it will be blurred, PAN with multl-exposure and continuous AF. Use WA and crop later if there's too much surround. Stand back a bit if possible - don't get too close. The closer you are the harder it will be to avoid blurring.

10-25-2015, 06:23 AM - 1 Like	#4
cpobuttons Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Norwich, Ct Posts: 139	this is how I have been doing steam trains in a landscape type photo...manual mode F8 or 11...continuous high...prefocus on the scene where the train will pass and use hyperfocal by selecting the bottom focal point...I use manual mode and underexpose the scene by about 1 stop because the steam and smoke will really blow out on a bright day...shutter speeds of 1/250 to 500 seem to work...of course I dont know how fast your train is going to be moving... when the train enters the scene let her rip and have fun...

10-25-2015, 08:14 AM	#5
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	The shots I have seen of moving trains (steam or otherwise) against landscapes, have all been distance shots. There is also the shot of the steam engine coming around the bend (or over a trestle, etc.) with a deep depth of field - but at a high shutter speed to freeze the motion, while catching the background.

10-25-2015, 09:03 AM	#6
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,247 Original Poster	Thanks guys for sharing some ideas. Originally posted by UncleVanya I think the setting will dictate the lens. Yes, at the train station, when the loco is stopped, it should be relatively easy to take shot of the engine, with a normal lens. Then the background may not be interesting. Originally posted by WPRESTO DO NOT set on a tripod Yes, it should be in day light, a tripod would be cumbersome. That a very good idea to have to parts where motion is frozen with panning and fast shutter speed, while other parts would be blurred... Wide angle, moderate wide would include some background depending on where I'm positioned. Originally posted by cpobuttons I use manual mode and underexpose the scene by about 1 stop because the steam and smoke will really blow out on a bright day...shutter speeds of 1/250 to 500 seem to work...of course I dont know how fast your train is going to be moving... when the train enters the scene let her rip and have fun... You are right, in sunny weather, I'm afraid to have the high-lights blown-up on the steam. The train will be green, so, not as big dynamic range as if it was a black locomotive, 1stop may not be enough, I shall use bracketing as well then and finish in post processing. I studied the map , I was looking for places when the train has to go up, so it may then be slower and produce more steam. There are also some bridges. Can be everywhere at the same time. But there will be several runs... Originally posted by interested_observer The shots I have seen of moving trains (steam or otherwise) against landscapes, have all been distance shots. The issue is access... So I may be close and far, depending on the location. I'll bring my 70-200, 17-50 or 28-75 not decided yet...

10-25-2015, 01:36 PM	#8
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,247 Original Poster	Originally posted by interested_observer Up in Northern Arizona in Williams, they run the French Fry Express (used cooking oil from Mckey D's - and yes it smells like french frys) steam engine from time to time. Folks plan out their locations well in advance - then test shoot the diesel engine trains in the meantime. Grand Canyon Railway to fuel train with recycled vegetable oil on Earth Day \| KJZZ The Train \| Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, Arizona- Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, Arizona https://aaa.thetrain.com/UserFiles/gcr/territorialtimes2011.pdf Really nice. In the US , you have a number of large steam locomotive. I've also seen some impressive video from Chinese steam trains. Would need to travel for that. I'll learn from experience.

10-25-2015, 09:52 PM	#9
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by biz-engineer Really nice. In the US , you have a number of large steam locomotive. I've also seen some impressive video from Chinese steam trains. Would need to travel for that. I'll learn from experience. If I remember correctly from some reading, there are a couple of places where you can actually be the engineer of a full size live steam locomotive. I want to say it's up in Nevada somewhere, or New Mexico.

10-26-2015, 08:12 PM - 1 Like	#11
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	Originally posted by biz-engineer Et voila... Wow!! Very Nice Indeed! I bet the engine and tender are very nicely painted and trimmed in bright colors!

10-29-2015, 12:30 AM - 1 Like	#12
Grippy Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Adelaide Posts: 816	Very nice pics biz. I love getting shots of steam locos, there are a couple that operate here in South Australia, have only managed static shots with the Oly. I haven't had the chance to get any with the Pentax yet though. I have a ton that I have just digitised that my dad took in the 50-70 's, great machines.